Dry skin is also realted to the person's age as we grow up the skin becomes more drier. Dryness is exacerbated by wind, extremes of temperature and air-conditioning, all of which cause the skin to flake, chap and feel tight. This type of skin is tightly drawn over bones. It looks dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. There may be tiny expression lines on these spots and at the comers of the mouth. Ordinary dry skin (xerosis) usually isn't serious, but it can be uncomfortable and unsightly, turning plump cells into shriveled ones and creating fine lines and wrinkles long before you're due. More serious dry skin conditions, such as the inherited group of disorders called ichthyosis, can sometimes be disfiguring and may cause psychological distress to people living with them.

Dry skin can be a temporary problem - one you experience only in winter, for example or a lifelong concern. And although skin is often driest on your arms, lower legs and the sides of your abdomen, this pattern can vary considerably from person to person. What's more, signs and symptoms of dry skin depend on your age, your health status, your locale, the amount of time you spend outdoors, and the cause of the problem.

Dry skin, also called xerosis, is a common problem. Your skin needs moisture to stay smooth and supple, and retaining moisture becomes difficult as we age. Our skin also looses mositure more readily in the winter. Central heating of home and other buildings is very drying to the skin.

Causes of Dry Skin

The main causes of dry skin includes:

·The oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin. As a result, the skin becomes dehydrated.

·Skin gets exposed to the elements especially in winter.

·Dry skin could be due to a genetic condition.

·Poor diet. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin.

·Environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps.

·Conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhea.

·Certain drugs, including diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines, can contribute to dry

·Over-use of soap and water, a dry, warm indoor climate, excessive sunbathing and other environmental effects have a great influence on how dry the skin can become.

Treatment of Dry Skin

Methods For Treating Dry Skin are :

1) First use moisturisers and oily creams.

2) Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend some inexpensive perfume-free creams, and may be able to give you some samples.

3) Depending on how dry your skin is it may be best to use a relatively thin moisturising lotion or cream in the summer and switch to a thicker more oily moisturising ointment in the winter.

4) Moisturising shower gels and bath additives that don't strip the skin of its natural oils can be used instead of soap when washing. Again, your pharmacist can recommend products.

5) Dry skin is a feature of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis and, in these cases, the doctor or the dermatologist may choose to treat the condition with a steroid cream that reduces inflammation.